Juventus and Inter Milan are battling it out right now. This exciting pre-season club friendly is taking place at the beautiful Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia. This article breaks down the live action, team news, and the latest transfer rumors surrounding these Italian giants.
Live Action in Perth: Inter Leads Juventus
The match is well underway, and the intensity is high. Early in the second half, specifically the 53rd minute, Inter Milan holds a tight 1-0 lead over Juventus. Both teams are fighting hard in this overseas "Derby d'Italia." Despite being a pre-season friendly, the competitive spirit is fully visible on the pitch today.
Federico Dimarco Breaks the Deadlock
The opening goal arrived quickly during the first half. Inter's talented wing-back, Federico Dimarco, found the back of the net in the 20th minute. His brilliant strike broke the deadlock and put his team in control of the game. Dimarco's sharp performance shows why he remains such a vital piece of the Inter puzzle. Juventus is currently working hard to break through the solid Inter defense and find an equalizer.
Spalletti’s Call for a Stronger Mentality
Before the game started, Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti had a clear message for his players. He called this friendly a crucial test of his team's overall mentality. Spalletti noted that Juventus must learn to match Inter's established level of quality and compactness. He wants his squad to remain focused and organized against top-tier opponents, making this match the perfect testing ground for their growth.
Missing Stars for Inter Milan
Inter Milan is performing exceptionally well today, even without a full squad available. The team is noticeably missing star forwards Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram. Both players were granted extra leave after competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite missing their top attackers, Inter's squad depth is shining through. Their current advantage proves they still have plenty of firepower on the field.
How Both Teams Performed Recently
Both clubs entered this game with solid momentum from recent outings. Juventus recently secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Chelsea. That impressive win came courtesy of a stunning long-range goal by Edon Zhegrova. On the other side, Inter Milan played to a tight 1-1 draw against city rivals AC Milan. These recent pre-season matches are helping both squads prepare their fitness for the demanding season ahead.
Transfer Market Buzz: Zirkzee and Romero
The action is not just happening on the pitch; the transfer market is buzzing too. Juventus is actively looking to improve their attacking depth. They are currently exploring a loan move for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee. Meanwhile, Inter Milan has their eyes on a major defensive upgrade. They are heavily linked with a bold swoop for Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero.
- Key Takeaway: Inter Milan currently controls the friendly in Perth with a 1-0 lead, while both front offices remain highly active in the summer transfer market to finalize their rosters.